Obstetrical complications in gestational carrier pregnancies

To report two cases of severe obstetrical complications in gestational carrier pregnancies and to review our clinical experience and compare our results with those reported in the literature.

Retrospective analysis.

A university IVF program.

Women without a functioning uterus or those whose pregnancy would exacerbate a medical condition were enrolled in the gestational carrier pregnancy program.

IVF cycles using oocytes from genetic mothers (or oocyte donors) were performed, with ET to gestational carriers.

Clinical pregnancy rates, obstetrical complications, and neonatal outcomes.

Ten couples underwent a total of 13 cycles using gestational carriers. A clinical pregnancy rate of 69% (9/13) was achieved. An intrapartum hysterectomy and a late puerperal hysterectomy were required because of severe obstetrical complications. The late puerperal hysterectomy was performed for placenta accreta in a triplet gestation. This carrier sustained multiple cerebral infarcts and blindness. One triplet infant died secondary to a hypoplastic left ventricle and complications of prematurity. A second gestational carrier with a singleton gestation underwent a hysterectomy for a uterine rupture, and the infant has cerebral palsy.

The past medical and obstetrical histories of potential gestational carriers must be closely scrutinized, and candidates must be thoroughly counseled about the potential risks involved in the procedure.